What Happens in the Altar ...

It seemed like they were locked in a silent duel of wills for what felt like forever. He leaned into her outstretched paw- and stiffened joints of her forearm. Leaning in a display of bared fangs and curled lips. While she didn’t show her own teeth, her lip did twitch on reflex- her communication came from her eyes, unrelenting even from the rumble that resonated from his chest. Much to her surprise, at the recommendation of relaxing landed better than she had anticipated. Even still, he leaned in closer- a charge of electricity dancing between them.

As he suddenly pulled away and settled in beside her, she tilted her head back once more, taking a quiet moment to enjoy the release of tension before speaking up once more. She simply couldn’t help herself. “Everything is a test, if it comes from me or not, Snaggletooth- but if you don’t like being called that, then what’s your real name?” She quickly interjected after delivering his pet name a second time, expecting him to be upset by it. She didn’t know why, though. She thought it to be a perfect fit- endearing almost. As much as an edgy individual such as himself could be.

She was somewhat surprised when he asked what the purpose of the ritual was. While she wouldn’t go into the spiritual side of things, she’d had no problem explaining the practical application. “Well. It’s a healing bath. The tannins from the Chamomile, Marshmallow, and Sage seep into you muscles and wounds when your skin gets pruny- aiding in the process of recovery. The burning herbs are a bit of a uhh … aromatherapy. Healing for your mind and spirit through scent.” She explained gently, pleased to answer any questions about her practices that were offered to her. Though, at the mention of burning herbs, she couldn’t help the smirk that spread across her own features, thinking back to the combination she had burned when they had encountered one another the first time. “This batch of incense doesn’t have quite the kick as the last batch did, though.” Aurelia snickered, casting him a sideways glance as she recalled him passed out on the floor of her den. She had traced the runes of Hagalaz and Algiz over his unconscious body- though he didn’t need to know that. The important part was she had awakened first, leaving him and an emptied den behind before he had stirred.

"Aurelia Veratti"